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Sophia and Philip Thorer might have met through the Munich nightlife scene in 2008, but it wasn’t until they reconnected during a friend’s birthday party nearly nine years later that their whirlwind, world-wide romance took flight. A few years into the relationship, Sophia, who lives in Germany, craved to go somewhere for her birthday after spending months sheltering in place. Philip planned a trip to Portugal for Sophia’s birthday—but little did she know he’d have another mid-trip treat in store for July 25, 2020.
“I know almost every bride says [it], but I didn’t expect [it],” she explains. “Philip suddenly came out onto the balcony and got down on [one] knee and said, ‘I know it is your birthday, but would you [give] me the greatest gift in the world and become my wife?’”
When it came to planning their September 28, 2021 nuptials, the couple packed their bags and headed to Polignano a Mare in Italy. “We were immediately in love with the aesthetics of the Masseria: simple and elegant,” the bride says. “We also wanted as many of our guests as possible to stay in our venue so that we could be together not only on the day of the wedding.”
As a doctor, influencer, and one half of a fashion and lifestyle website called The Skinny and The Curvy One, Sophia is known for her impeccable taste, which was in full attendance during the planning process. “I had a very clear idea of how everything should look,” she shares. “Philly trusted me in this area and gave me a free hand.”
That said, planning a destination wedding during a global pandemic is no easy feat. In fact, Sophia reveals that the festivities were originally planned for May, but were eventually postponed until September. However, with the help of Alessandra Linoci Events, the couple enjoyed a classic-yet-chic day that’s definitely worthy of a double tap. Read on for an intimate look at this 30-person soirée, as photographed by Danilo & Sharon.
“It was very important to me not to pick up any trends and to create a very individual but still classic look,” Sophia shares. The couple struck a happy balance between timeless and trendy with these elegant invitations from Wedding Mark.
Sophia prepared for the big day by enjoying beverages with her inner circle and perfecting her skincare routine. “Since I am a doctor and skin care is my major subject, I am very mindful of my skincare routine,” the bride shares. “Retinol is one of the best researched active ingredients and ensures youthful looking skin. Those who have never used the active ingredient should gently creep it in.” To prepare for the day, Sophia did a JetPeel to score some glowy, dewy, and oh-so bridal skin.
I saw this dress long before I got engaged, and it just felt like me.
The bride stunned in an off-the-shoulder dress from Newhite, which she says was love at first sight. “I saw this dress long before I got engaged, and it just felt like me,” Sophia shares. “The designer of the dress is located in the United States and due to the pandemic, it was impossible to see the dress live or try it on. I had a Zoom call with the designer, and she showed me the dress. After that, I just ordered it on the off chance. Very risky in retrospect!”
“Since my dress had a slit so you could see the shoe well, I chose eye-catching golden shoes from Loeffler Randall and in addition large golden earrings,” she adds. She also carried a gorgeous bouquet of roses. Sophia complemented the accessories with a sleek updo and a spritz of her signature scent, Acqua e Zucchero by Profumum Roma.
Philip opted for an elegant-yet-modern look, complete with a custom-tailored Loro Piana smoking jacket and matching double-pleated trousers that were all supplied by Suitsupply, silver cufflinks, and leather Baudoin & Lange loafers. “Stitched in gold inside the collar of the jacket was ‘The Honeys,’” the bride shares. “That’s how all of our friends call us. The whole event was called ‘They Honeys Wedding.’”
Since Sophia and Philip’s special day was postponed a few months, the bride had some extra time to think about her outfit. For the perfect finishing touch, she tapped bridal designer Annika Maria, who created the bride’s outfit for their civil ceremony. “I wanted something other than a veil and had exactly in my mind what it should be: a long cape with tulle sleeves,” Sophia says. “A great alternative for all brides who don’t want to wear a veil.”
The bride glided down the aisle with her mom and her best friend. “Unfortunately, my father could not be at the wedding, so I wanted the two most important persons in my life (next to Philly) to walk me down the aisle,” she adds.
“Sophia and Philip wanted to keep the ceremony decor minimalistic but with a standout feature as to not take away from the beautiful garden of the Masseria,” planner Alessandra Linoci says. “In fact, we decided to set up the ceremonial space minimally styled with a simple backdrop arch covered in voluminous layers of billowing fabrics in pure white.”
For a pop of personality, the couple incorporated a wine ceremony into their intimate nuptials. “It describes us perfectly as a couple,” the bride explains. “We just love wine.”
Before exchanging wedding bands, the couple recited personalized vows. Sophia recalls there was not a dry eye among her guests.
The happy couple recessed down the aisle to a live performance of Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours).”
After the ceremony, the 30-person party dined under a cascade of twinkly lights. “It was crucial for Sophia that the table was refined, elegant, and modern, including luxe details,” Linoci says. “We played around with different textures, from extremely fine fabrics—such as the silk flowy runner and the soft linens—to the crystal glasses and the concrete props.”
Linen napkins, sophisticated menus, and touches of powder pink and pearl gray completed the setup in style.
Sophia wanted her bridesmaids to feel like their best selves, so she selected a dark champagne tone and allowed everyone to choose their own dress silhouette. “I have found a store that guarantees this tone, so my bridesmaids could individually pick different dresses there,” she shares. “I found that very nice because all the girls felt very comfortable in the end, and each individual personality was perfectly underlined.”
As for Philip’s groomsmen? They nailed the black-tie dress code with their tuxedos.
For dinner, guests sipped on Campari Orange cocktails and enjoyed mouth-watering Italian cuisine from Rotondo Catering. “We wanted a very traditional menu that tastes as if it had been cooked by Nonna,” Sophie shares. “Pasta was the most important part of it.”
Before dinner began, the couple stole away for a few moments alone and to take some stunning photos with their photography team Danilo and Sharon.
“We are both very fun-loving people,” Sophia shares. “We enjoy good food, wine, music, and fun with our friends. Therefore, the mood and the party was also very important to us.”
We both have never experienced so much love in one day.
Before dinner, the couple shared a few words of gratitude to their nearest and dearest. “We both have never experienced so much love in one day,” the bride shares. “Our guests just made this day the best day of our lives.”
Music was top of mind throughout the celebration, with performances by David Blank, Quinze, and Ultra Live Band. “During the meal, there were Italo pop classics,” the brides. “To make it a party after the meal, we had a singer who performed live party hits and immediately swept everyone away.”
For dessert, Rotondo Catering delivered on a three-layered white cake that featured lemon cream and a smattering of fresh flowers.
“We didn’t want an eternally long menu, but to dance with our friends as soon as possible,” shares the brides. “Thus, it went directly from our dessert to the dance floors.”
Looking back on their day, Sofia says the best investment they made was hiring a wedding planner. “Everything happened digitally, [so] we unfortunately didn’t have the opportunity to visit our location or do a rehearsal dinner,” she shares. “But with Ale by our side, that was no problem. She visited the location for us and sent us photos and videos of everything.” When you have someone on your side who understands your vision, anything is possible.